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RELEASED 100 ZEBRAS THIS WEEK

BUTTERFLY NET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NETTING OE SAMPLING AND TAGGING

CLICK ON ARROW STARTS VIDIO- BOX FOR FULL SCREEN

Sampling for OE can be done in conjunction with tagging

If you can participate in this study, I will see that you receive specific instructions and a research kit from the University of Georgia.

Collecting data would involve catching monarchs and collecting a sample from their abdomens. This method is easy, fast, and does not hurt the butterfly.

You can collect samples whenever you have the time.

You have no quotas or deadlines. We will tag and take samples all year, although a concentrated effort targets the winter and spring Monarch migrations.

The lab at the University of Georgia, are interested in studying how different migration patterns of monarchs affect their levels of infection from the protozoan parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE). To investigate this issue, they are inviting us to participate in collecting samples from any monarchs you observe in your area. OE is a fascinating protozoan (single-celled) parasite that cannot infect humans, but can make butterflies sick or die. (more information at: http://www.monarchparasites.org

The Odum School of Ecology at the university welcomed us to join them and participate in Dr. Sonia Altizer's research on monarch parasites.
Project Monarch Health: Southern Initiative

BUTTERFLY MAP

Butterfly Map Of  S. W. Florida

Click On  Link http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=203767466417705734835.000499e84e3f77b53745b&mid=1296704854

If you would like to add your garden or have a good location to view Butterflies and would like it posted on our map email the details and location to  shandys@embarqmail.com

 

University Of Minnesota

Karen Oberhauser
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Conservation Biology
Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
University of Minnesota

http://www.monarchlab.org/

We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work together with Professor Karen  Oberhauser. She shares her expertise and years of research in numerous publications. Google Oberhauser Lab for a list.

I hope the information we collect will  benefit her research.

 

We talked about the monarch rearing and her appreciation of  great work  our volunteers are doing and discussed the effects that Scarlet Milkweeds have on the Monarchs that Winter in Florida

 

Email Sept 16 2012 Hi Nick

It was great to talk with you this week. You’re doing a lot of exciting work with FL monarchs, and I look forward to setting up some collaborations. If your volunteers could also record when monarchs produce parasitoid wasps or flies, it would help with our study of monarch mortality. I’ve attached the data sheet  for these collections.

 

NAPLESNEWS.COM

Wednesday at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary 25 volunteers weathered the almost 100 degree heat to conduct its 14th seasonal butterfly count  in conjunction with the North American Butterfly Association's as part of the United States, Canada and Mexico annual count.

Robin Gardener, Rachel Singltary, Carol Littleton  spent about 5 hr on the trails and really enjoyed the day .
We were joined  by photographer Dania Maxwel and reporter Eric Staats from the Naples News. The four of us were impressed with the sincere effort they both made to understand why the volunteers feel butterflies are a important part of our eco system and indicators of its health.

The article and photos showcased the  many time overlooked importance of the volunteers. They endured over two hours of very extremely uncomfortably warm humid  conditions on  the trail  do the story before leaving..

We met some great people on this field trip as we always do and I am sure they will become wonderful long lasting friends. The Webster dictionary does not give the true definition of " volunteer".
It is so important to the promotion of  our butterfly tagging project and the butterfly parasite (OE) testing program we are doing in S W Florida that news papers like the Naples News support us and do these good articles.

106 butterflies counted 14 species

PLEASE READ: Butterfly Count Article and Post a Coment.

I would hope all of you would  read and take the time to post a thanks to  Dania, Eric and the Naples News - Simply regester to post your coment. 

 Click On : volunteers count butterflies box above pictures to go to photo galery
The comment section is on the bottom of the photo gallery page.

.                                            Photos by Nick Bodven

BUTTERFLY COUNT ARTICLE

/http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/aug/09/butterfly-effect-experts-amateurs-enjoy-counting/

TAG UPDATE

 Monarch Taggers, July 27 2012

We have had another tagged butterfly found on the 24th of July by   Mary Porter on Deal Road in North Ft. Myers about 5 miles from the tagging location.

#0856 tagged by Bill Rose on July 8th.

I hope to summarize our tagging program that reflects or result to date and detailing our volunteers hard work layer this summer. Please be patient.
I received a email about loss of butterflies due to OE.
We have 12 sampling for OE and expect additional volunteers to join.

Thank again for your participation.

PRODJECT MONARCH HEALTH

ON THE STUMP

 The Palm Beech Post

http://clikhear.palmbeachpost.com/2012/life-style/outdoor-life/marvelous-monarch-butterflies-are-free-all-you-need-is-patience-and-milkweed/
I sent this the link to Gayle

                 Whats new for the next posting?
My purple martins are learning to fly.
I found a bat colony. 100 or more. Do you want to see them come ?
I have zebra eggs. Like to have soon?
Found 50 native milk weed . will share seeds.(Asclepias tuberosa)

                                  Also Free scarlet milk weed seeds